SITCSection 2

Cotton (Other Than Linters), Not Carded or Combed

Name: Cotton (Other Than Linters), Not Carded or Combed (SITC 26310) -- U.S. Export Data
Creator: U.S. Census Bureau
License: https://www.census.gov/about/policies/open-gov/open-data.html

SITC 26310Basic heading5-digit

U.S. imports · July 2026: $44K; YTD $216K

U.S. exports · July 2026: $473.3M

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Balance · July 2026: Loading the trade balance

U.S. exports of cotton (other than linters), not carded or combed (SITC 26310) totaled $473.3M in July 2026.

Cotton (Other Than Linters), Not Carded or Combed imports of $44K in July 2026 ran 43% above the year-to-date monthly average of $31K.

Last updated: July 2026 data

Raw ginned cotton fiber—the staple fiber separated from the cottonseed but not yet processed through carding or combing—is one of the most widely traded agricultural commodities in global textile supply chains. Staple length, micronaire (fineness), strength, and color grade are the primary quality parameters that determine price and end-use suitability, with extra-long staple (ELS) varieties commanding significant premiums for fine yarn spinning. The US is both a major producer and importer of raw cotton, and shipments entering the US are subject to USDA APHIS phytosanitary requirements to prevent the introduction of cotton pests such as boll weevil.

AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.

64 shipments/mo

12-month trend

ImportsExports

Imports

$44KYoY · Pro

Exports

$473.3MYoY · Pro

12-mo low · imports

YoY · Pro

$601.8M$0

June 2025December 2025July 2026

Through July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

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Basic heading 189 of 239 in section 2

Share of section 2 imports0.0012%

Basic heading 26310 · $44K of $3.8B

Where it comes from, where it lands, what it pays

Exports · July 2026

Countries

destination

Vietnam and Pakistan together take 49% of it.

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Districts

customs district

Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.

States

origin

Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.

Ports

entry

Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What phytosanitary documentation is required for raw cotton imports into the US?

USDA APHIS requires a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country's national plant protection organization for most raw cotton shipments. Depending on origin, additional treatments or inspections may be required to address pest risks such as pink bollworm or boll weevil. Importers should consult APHIS import regulations and the specific requirements for the country of origin well in advance of shipment. Classification and admissibility are complex; consult a licensed customs broker or APHIS for guidance specific to your shipment.

How do staple length and micronaire affect the classification and commercial value of raw cotton?

For trade classification purposes, raw ginned cotton not carded or combed falls within this heading regardless of staple length. Commercially, however, staple length is the primary value driver: short-staple cotton (under 1 inch) is used for coarser yarns and industrial applications, medium-staple for standard apparel yarns, and extra-long staple (ELS, typically 1-3/8 inches and above) for premium fine-count yarns. Micronaire measures fiber fineness and maturity and affects dyeability and yarn quality. These parameters are specified in USDA classing certificates that accompany commercial shipments.